A great deal depends upon the nature of the accusation. Many accusations are vague or insignificant and should be ignored. For example, it is extremely difficult to respond to someone who says, "You don't have a pastor's heart." What exactly is a pastor's heart? How do you know when someone has one? Usually statements like these are code for "I don't like your personality." Unfortunately, we can't make someone like us and must often simply absorb criticism like this. It is a mistake to respond to every accusation that comes your way, even when it is wrong.
However, some accusations cannot be ignored. They have the potential to severely damage reputation and hinder ministry. What makes these accusations so serious is that they do not need to be substantiated in order to ruin a pastor's ministry. Unfortunately, accusations spread faster than news of vindication. For many people innuendo is accepted as fact. A leader who is publically accused of moral failure or a lapse of integrity must respond with great care.
Whenever possible, an accusation should be processed in conjunction with the church's leadership team. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 provides clear instruction regarding accusations made against the church's leaders: "Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning."
The first principle of response is accountability. Any accusation must be substantiated by evidence. More is required than rumor or opinion. Church members who make false or careless accusations should be held accountable (Titus 3:10; Rom. 16:17; 3 John 1:9-10).
Never respond to someone who has falsely accused without a trustworthy witness present. Even though you have good intentions and hope for reconciliation, one who has malicious intent may twist your words. Or you may lose your temper and do or say something that you regret.
You may not be able to undo the damage that has been done by your accuser's words. In such cases, you must comfort yourself with the knowledge that worse things have been said about better leaders. Moses, Jeremiah, and Paul were all falsely accused. The accusation may remain even after you have done all in your power to reclaim your reputation. Your attitude must be that of Christ Jesus, who, "when they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Pet. 2:23).
